Gender Ethnicracial And Life Span Considerations

Although the incidence of asthma is estimated at 1% to 5% in the general population, children have a higher incidence of 12%. Children make up more than a third of the people with asthma. Asthma is diagnosed more frequently in males under 14 years and over 45 years of age and in females between the ages of 15 and 45. Inner-city children of color have higher morbidity and mortality rates than white chldren. Approximately 80% to 85% of childhood asthma episodes are associated with a prior exposure to a virus.

If you suffer with asthma, you will no doubt be familiar with the uncomfortable sensations as your bronchial tubes begin to narrow and your muscles around them start to tighten. A sticky mucus known as phlegm begins to produce and increase within your bronchial tubes and you begin to wheeze, cough and struggle to breathe.